Ling Zhi

Ganoderma Lucidum, Reishi

ling zhi (灵芝), Ganoderma Lucidum, is definitely one of the most legendary mushrooms in China. Its name is translated as "mushroom of immortality" or "spiritual mushroom". It's scientific name, Ganoderma Lucidum, is derived from his appearance. The one-year-old fruiting body of this tree mushroom is covered with a glossy layer of resin, which makes it look radiant. It grows predominantly in oak forests, but it can also be found in mixed-leaf forests and along roadsides.

In China, ling zhi has been used for 4000 years, although for some periods of time it was reserved for the emperor and his followers. For about 30 to 40 years, ling zhi has been cultivatable and thus available to a broader public.